As temperatures drop, your thoughts have probably turned to a key question that landlords ask each year: How do you help tenants stay comfortable during the winter – while keeping energy costs under control?

Inefficient or outdated heating systems can lead to higher utility bills – or, even worse, result in costly property damage from issues like burst pipes.

Let’s keep your energy bills (and stress) lower this winter. Here are 10 tips to help you reduce heating costs and safeguard your property during the colder months.

1. Upgrade to Smart Thermostats
Installing smart thermostats allows for precise control over heating schedules and temperatures. These devices learn usage patterns and adjust settings automatically to maximize energy efficiency. Tenants can control the thermostat remotely via smartphone apps, ensuring the heat is only elevated when needed. This can reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills – and can be a valuable perk for prospective tenants.

2. Run Ceiling Fans in Reverse
By setting ceiling fans to rotate clockwise at a low speed during the winter, you can push warm air that rises back down into rooms. This simple adjustment helps distribute heat more evenly, reducing the need to keep the heating system running constantly.

3. Care for Ductwork
Is your heating system working too hard? Regularly inspect ducts for gaps, leaks, or insulation issues. Sealing and insulating ductwork ensures that warm air reaches its intended destination efficiently, improving the overall performance of your heating system and reducing energy waste.

4. Wrap Water Heaters
If you manage a smaller rental dwelling, insulating your water heater with a specially designed blanket can help reduce heat loss from the tank, which is especially beneficial for older models that may be less insulated. The extra layer helps ensure the heater doesn’t have to work as hard to keep water hot, saving energy and potentially extending the appliance’s life.

5. Seal External Outlets
Feeling a bit drafty in there? Electrical outlets or switches on exterior walls could be the culprit. Fortunately, there’s an inexpensive fix: Simply install foam gaskets or outlet sealers behind the cover plates to create an airtight seal.

6. Add Door Sweeps
Gaps under exterior doors can let in cold air and allow warm air to escape. Installing door sweeps or draft stoppers at the bottom of doors is a simple solution to prevent drafts and enhance your tenants’ comfort.

7. Put in Thermal Curtains
By furnishing rooms with insulated curtains (and encouraging tenants to use them), you can add an extra layer of protection against heat loss through windows, especially at night.

8. Look Into Remote Monitoring
With a remote monitoring system, you can keep an eye on your property’s heating systems in real time. These systems can alert you to issues like sudden temperature drops, which could indicate a heating failure or possible frozen pipe. As with any property problem, early detection helps you act promptly to prevent a safety issue or costlier repairs.

9. Get an Energy Audit
With a comprehensive assessment of your property’s energy use, a professional energy auditor can identify areas where heat is lost and recommend specific improvements, such as adding insulation or upgrading windows. These investments could lead to long-term energy savings and increase your property’s value.

10. Educate Your Tenants
Informed tenants are more likely to adopt habits that reduce energy consumption. Provide residents with tips like keeping vents unobstructed, limiting the use of exhaust fans, and locking windows to seal out drafts.

Stay Cozy. Stay Covered.
Even with the best preparation, unexpected issues can arise in the winter. Millers Mutual offers comprehensive property insurance solutions to protect your investments. Find out more today.